{"title":"Rare Vintages","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"stellenzicht-acheulean-red-2019","title":"Stellenzicht Acheulean Red 2019","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"1132\" data-end=\"1543\"\u003eStellenzicht Wines is a boutique producer rooted on the Helderberg slopes outside Stellenbosch, crafting wines that reflect both meticulous vineyard work and respect for the region’s diverse soils. The “Acheulean” range - named for ancient hand-axes unearthed on site - represents the estate’s flagship wines, conceived to stand alongside top tier South African red blends. \u003cspan class=\"\" data-state=\"closed\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1985\"\u003eFor the 2019 Acheulean Red, the winemaker draws on Cabernet Sauvignon’s classic structure, Shiraz’s spicy intensity and Cinsault’s aromatic lift. Grapes are hand-harvested and matured for extended periods in French oak, with a proportion of new oak adding fine grain and complexity. The result is a sophisticated wine where fruit, spice and integrated oak speak of place and patience rather than flash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1545\" data-end=\"1985\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2127\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"2047\" data-end=\"2050\"\u003eDeep garnet red with youthful purple hues - rich and inviting in the glass.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2036\" data-end=\"2127\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2358\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"2138\" data-end=\"2141\"\u003eA layered bouquet of ripe dark fruit - blackcurrant, plum and blackberry - with savoury spice, cedar and subtle earthy undertones. Integrated oak adds hints of vanilla and warm spice without overshadowing the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2129\" data-end=\"2358\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2360\" data-end=\"2626\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"2371\" data-end=\"2374\"\u003eFull-bodied and structured, the palate shows concentrated dark fruit flavours balanced by firm but polished tannins. Black cherry and cassis carry through alongside savoury notes of tobacco, smoke and sweet spice, while acidity keeps the wine poised.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2360\" data-end=\"2626\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2628\" data-end=\"2738\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"2639\" data-end=\"2642\"\u003eLong and lingering, with harmonious echoes of fruit and spice that unfold slowly and gracefully.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Stellenzicht","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45221659738291,"sku":"RW1928BR52","price":760.87,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/StellenzichtAcheuleanRed2019.jpg?v=1768484305"},{"product_id":"hartenberg-eleanor-chardonnay-2019","title":"Hartenberg Eleanor Chardonnay 2019","description":"\u003cp data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"702\"\u003eHartenberg Wine Estate, established in 1692 on the Bottelary Hills of Stellenbosch, has earned a long-standing reputation for producing classically styled wines with strong vineyard identity and ageing potential. The estate’s vineyards benefit from cooling afternoon breezes and varied soils, helping to maintain freshness and structure even in warmer vintages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"341\" data-end=\"702\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003eNamed in honour of Eleanor Finlayson, whose family played a significant role in shaping the estate’s modern reputation, the Eleanor Chardonnay represents Hartenberg’s premium expression of the varietal. Fruit for the 2019 vintage was sourced from carefully selected vineyard blocks and fermented in French oak barrels, followed by extended lees ageing to build texture and complexity. The winemaking approach aims to preserve fruit purity while allowing subtle oak and lees influence to contribute depth rather than dominance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"704\" data-end=\"1230\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003eColour:\u003cbr data-start=\"1342\" data-end=\"1345\"\u003eBright gold with pale amber highlights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1335\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1597\"\u003eNose:\u003cbr data-start=\"1391\" data-end=\"1394\"\u003eLemon curd, ripe peach and baked apple aromas lead the nose, followed by toasted hazelnut, vanilla pod and subtle brioche notes. Gentle citrus blossom and flinty mineral nuances add freshness and detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1386\" data-end=\"1597\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1952\"\u003ePalate:\u003cbr data-start=\"1606\" data-end=\"1609\"\u003eFull and textured without excess weight, the palate combines stone fruit, citrus and baked pear flavours with finely integrated oak. Lees ageing contributes a creamy mid-palate, while balanced acidity keeps the wine focused and energetic. The oak influence is measured, adding notes of toasted almond and spice without overshadowing the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1599\" data-end=\"1952\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"2044\"\u003eFinish:\u003cbr data-start=\"1961\" data-end=\"1964\"\u003eLong and savoury, with lingering citrus, roasted nuts and a subtle mineral edge.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hartenberg","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45240802476211,"sku":"WW1940CH03","price":713.04,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/HartenbergEleanorChardonnay2019.jpg?v=1775134871"},{"product_id":"holden-manz-reserve-syrah-2015-older-vintage","title":"Holden Manz Reserve Syrah 2015 (Older Vintage)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSituated in the upper Franschhoek Valley, Holden Manz is a boutique family-owned estate\u003c\/strong\u003e known for producing wines that combine elegance with concentration. Established in 2010 by Gerard Holden and Migo Manz, the estate has become particularly respected for its red wines, with Syrah playing a significant role in its portfolio. The vineyards benefit from Franschhoek's mountain-influenced climate, where warm daytime conditions are moderated by cooling afternoon breezes descending from the surrounding peaks. The estate's approach focuses on expressing vineyard character through careful fruit selection, traditional cellar practices and measured oak maturation. The result is a style of Syrah that balances ripe fruit with savoury complexity, producing wines capable of rewarding extended bottle ageing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eColour: \u003c\/strong\u003eDeep garnet with a brick-red rim beginning to emerge, reflecting its maturity while still retaining good depth of colour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNose: \u003c\/strong\u003eAromatic layers of black cherry, plum and blackberry have evolved into notes of dried herbs, black olive tapenade, leather, cedar and cracked black pepper. Subtle hints of smoked meat, dark chocolate and forest floor add further complexity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePalate: \u003c\/strong\u003eFull-bodied yet refined, with the primary fruit now integrated into a broader spectrum of savoury flavours. Mature tannins provide a silky texture while fresh acidity maintains energy and focus. Dark berry fruit, spice, olive and earthy notes unfold across the palate with impressive harmony.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish: \u003c\/strong\u003eLong and persistent, finishing with lingering pepper spice, savoury complexity and a gentle mineral character that speaks to both age and terroir.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Holden Manz","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45494775709875,"sku":"RW1528SH76","price":860.87,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/HoldenManzReserveSyrah2015_OlderVintage.jpg?v=1778143415"},{"product_id":"delheim-grand-reserve-2017-older-vintage","title":"Delheim Grand Reserve 2017 (Older Vintage)","description":"","brand":"Delheim","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45496801034419,"sku":"RW1728BB22","price":960.87,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/DelheimGrandReserve2017_OlderVintage.jpg?v=1778247889"},{"product_id":"spier-frans-k-smit-red-2018","title":"Spier Frans K Smit Red 2018","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpier Wine Farm is one of Stellenbosch's best-known historic wine farms, with a winemaking heritage stretching back more than three centuries.\u003c\/strong\u003e The Frans K. Smit range honours former Cellar Master Frans K. Smit, whose influence helped shape Spier's modern winemaking identity. Today, these limited-production flagship wines are intended to express both the character of the vineyards and the skill of the cellar team. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2018 Frans K. Smit Red is a Bordeaux-style blend led by Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc adding different dimensions of fruit, fragrance and structure. The grapes come from selected vineyards in the Helderberg area of Stellenbosch, a site particularly well suited to Bordeaux varieties. The wine was hand-selected, fermented under controlled conditions and matured for 18 months in French oak, allowing the fruit and oak to integrate while retaining the wine's natural freshness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColour: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeep ruby-red with a youthful ruby rim.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNose: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePerfumed and expressive, with ripe cherry, blackberry and blackcurrant at the forefront. Herbal fynbos, graphite, cedar and a subtle hint of mint add savoury and aromatic complexity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePalate: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull-bodied and concentrated, with layers of dark berry and blackcurrant fruit supported by dense yet silky tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon provides the backbone, while Merlot brings softness and fruit richness and the Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot contribute fragrance, freshness and structure. Graphite and subtle spice add depth, with lively acidity keeping the wine focused rather than heavy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLong and persistent, with dark fruit, graphite, gentle spice and fine tannins lingering on the palate. The finish has both richness and freshness, with the structure to continue developing in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Spier","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45558663250099,"sku":"RW1828BB26","price":1004.35,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/SpierFransKSmitRed2018.jpg?v=1780667071"},{"product_id":"tokara-directors-reserve-red-2014-older-vintage","title":"Tokara Directors Reserve Red 2014 (Older Vintage)","description":"","brand":"Tokara","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45814877552819,"sku":"RW1428BB06","price":867.83,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/TokaraDirectorsReserveRed2014_OlderVintage.jpg?v=1787043433"},{"product_id":"warwick-trilogy-2016-older-vintage","title":"Warwick Trilogy 2016 (Older Vintage)","description":"","brand":"Warwick","offers":[{"title":"750ml Bottle","offer_id":45876686094515,"sku":"RW1628BB19","price":1043.48,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0713\/5195\/9731\/files\/WarwickTrilogy2016.jpg?v=1787319179"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.wineofthemonth.co.za\/collections\/rare-vintages.oembed","provider":"Wine of the Month","version":"1.0","type":"link"}